Russian electronics and semiconductor manufacturers have called for import duties of 50-100% on smart cards (SIM cards, debit and transportation cards) to protect against competitors from China. newspaper reports “Kommersant”.
The autonomous non-commercial organization “Telecommunications Technologies” sent a corresponding letter to the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation. The document states that Russian card manufacturers have production facilities that can meet the needs of their customers. Now there are no taxes on the import of ready-made smart cards and an average of 7% on components, which puts Russian companies in “clearly losing conditions”.
According to the newspaper’s interlocutor, market participants fear the expansion of Chinese smart card manufacturers in Russia. The price difference between a Chinese card and a Russian card with imported chips can reach 500%. The source of the publication believes that the entry of Chinese manufacturers into the Russian market will “kill Russian card manufacturers”, which will lead to a further increase in prices and the risk of bankruptcy of domestic companies.
Previously reportedThat Russia will gradually begin to implement electronic passports. The new document will be tested in three regions – Moscow, Moscow region and Tatarstan. At the same time, the paper passports of citizens who have received an electronic identity card will be cancelled.